The Raven: Prince of Iron and Blood.

Untitled Part 28

As night fell, Zariyah retreated to her chambers, the heavy silence of the castle pressing down on her. She sat by the window, watching the moon rise over the distant mountains. The stars were like tiny sparks of hope in the vast darkness.

Gabi brought her a warm cup of tea, the scent of mint and honey a small comfort in the sea of pain. She took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through her trembling body. "I will go to him," she murmured to herself. "But I will not let them break me."

Gabi brought a basin of cool water and a soft cloth, gently tending to the wounds that marred her mistress's back. Zariyah took a shaky breath, the sting of the cold water bringing a brief reprieve from the pain. She stared out the narrow window, watching the world outside continue without her, as if her suffering was but a whisper in the grand symphony of life.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink. The warmth of the day faded, leaving a cold embrace that seemed to seep into her very bones. Gabi helped her dress, each movement sending a jolt of pain through her body. The fabric of her gown whispered against her skin like fire.

When she entered his father's study, the silence was palpable as his gaze searched hers, looking for any hint of rebellion. "How are you my headstrong?"

With a trembling hand, she placed the Queen's letter on the table. "I will go," she murmured, the words feeling like shards of glass in her mouth.

Then, her father's eyes softened, the storm clouds parting to reveal the hint of a smile. He leaned forward, his hands steepled before him, his gaze searching hers. "Very well," he said, his tone a mix of resignation and begrudging admiration. "We shall prepare the house at once! I shall have your maid fix you up some dresses for His Highness."

Satisfied, he turned on his heel and stomped away, leaving Zariyah and her mother alone.

Her mother stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resignation. "You know this is for the best," she murmured, stroking Zariyah's hair. "Our family's future depends on this alliance."

But Zariyah couldn't find it in herself to agree. She felt like a bird with clipped wings, unable to soar or fly away from the cage her life had become. She looked down at her trembling hands, wondering how she would face the prince, knowing that she was trapped in a fate she didn't choose.

The moon hung low in the night sky, its soft glow spilling through the window like a silken veil. The air was thick with a sweetness from the lavender oil that Gabi had carefully placed in a small bowl nearby, its calming aroma enveloping the space like a warm hug.

Zariyah lay nestled beneath layers of soft blankets, her body trembling slightly. Gabi sensed the storm swirling within Zariyah's heart. She sank slowly into the chair beside the bed, her presence a balm in the tense atmosphere. "Zariyah," she whispered gently, allowing her fingers to brush softly through the young girl's hair, gathering the loose strands and tucking them behind her ear. "Shh, dear heart," she murmured softly, her voice a soothing melody that cut through the darkness. "You are safe now. You are loved."

Zariyah turned her gaze to the nurse, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and confusion. The nurse smiled tenderly, her own heart aching for the girl's suffering. "It's all right to feel afraid," she said, settling herself more comfortably on the edge of the bed. "You've been so brave today, standing up for what you believe in. That is a strength many do not possess."

Gabi's words wrapped around Zariyah like a warm blanket, the comfort slowly easing the tightness in her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to draw in the soothing presence of the woman beside her. "But it hurt so much," Zariyah whispered, her voice barely above a sigh.